Quantifying discontinuity orientation and persistence on high mountain rock slopes and large landslides using terrestrial remote sensing techniques

M Sturzenegger,D Stead

doi:10.5194/nhess-9-267-2009

M Sturzenegger, D Stead

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-9-267-2009

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Abstract

Abstract. This paper describes experience gained in the application of terrestrial digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning for the characterization of the structure of high mountain rock slopes and large landslides. A methodology allowing the creation and registration of 3-D models with limited access to high mountain rock slopes is developed and its accuracy verified. The importance of occlusion, ground resolution, scale and reflectivity are discussed. Special emphasis is given to the concept of observation scale and resulting scale bias and its influence on discontinuity characterization. The step-path geometry of persistent composite surfaces and its role in remote sensing measurements are described. An example of combined terrestrial digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning applied in the generation of a 3-D model of the South Peak of Turtle Mountain, the location of the Frank Slide, is presented. The advantages gained from the combined use of these techniques and the potential offered through long-range terrestrial digital photogrammetry, using high focal length lenses up to 400 mm is illustrated. Special emphasis is given to the potential of this specific technique, which has to the authors knowledge rarely been documented in the geotechnical literature.

Highlights

Terrestrial digital photogrammetry (TDP) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) are increasingly being recognized as efficient survey techniques for characterizing the earth surface morphology. McCaffrey et al (2005) highlight the progress of digital geological fieldwork in terms of resolution, accuracy, data visualization, management and reproducibility
Rosser et al (2005) highlight the benefits of topographic information provided by TLS surveys, compared to the plan view provided by traditional airborne survey
This paper evaluates techniques for quantifying discontinuity orientation and persistence on high mountain rock slopes and large landslides using terrestrial digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning

Summary

Introduction

Terrestrial digital photogrammetry (TDP) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) are increasingly being recognized as efficient survey techniques for characterizing the earth surface morphology. McCaffrey et al (2005) highlight the progress of digital geological fieldwork in terms of resolution, accuracy, data visualization, management and reproducibility. Terrestrial digital photogrammetry (TDP) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) are increasingly being recognized as efficient survey techniques for characterizing the earth surface morphology. Rosser et al (2005) highlight the benefits of topographic information provided by TLS surveys, compared to the plan view provided by traditional airborne survey. They emphasize the importance of such techniques in quantifying the spatial distribution and magnitude of rockfall events associated with coastal cliff erosion. Tannant et al (2006) recognize the potential of TDP for surveys in open-pit mine environment

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